A byword for brilliance, ICC's tribute to Bradman

Dubai, Aug 27 (UNI) As the whole cricketing world celebrates the centenary of the game's biggest legend's birth, the International Cricket Council (ICC) today hailed Don Bradman as ''a byword for brilliance.'' ''No name in cricket conjures up such widespread awe and respect as that of Sir Donald Bradman,'' ICC president David Morgan said.

Morgan said Bradman's name is synonimous to cricket and added that it is just the way soccer has Pele, cricket has Bradman.

''Even people with just a passing knowledge of the game or in countries where he never played will invariably recognise the name Bradman as a byword for brilliance,'' he said.

Australians payed tribute to their beloved son with skipper Ricky Ponting delivering the Bradman oration in Sydney.

''Even now, 60 years after his final Test match and with time to put his achievements into context, his batting average of 99.94 still seems scarcely believable, especially when one compares it to those of the many other players to have graced the game at the highest level,'' Morgan added.

Not only did Bradman leave a mark with his staggering batting records but the Australian also left his stamp as captain, selector and administrator.

Bradman's death at the age of 92 in 2001 prompted an outpouring of grief in Australia with the rest of the cricket world joining in to pay their tributes.

He played 52 Tests, scoring 6,996 runs at an amazing average of 99.94, and has 29 centuries to his name which prove his class and tenacity as a cricketer.

''Cricket is all about tradition and respecting previous generations and I am sure Ricky's speech will do just that as well as being a fitting tribute to a truly great cricket person.

''Sir Donald's life was a lifetime of service to cricket and his legacy is that our strong sport continues to grow stronger,'' Morgan said in his tribute to Bradman.

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